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Procedures

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the size and shape of the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips) and, less commonly, the labia majora (the outer vaginal lips). This operation can be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons, addressing discomfort, irritation, or self-consciousness that some women may experience due to the size or shape of their labia. The goal of labiaplasty is to create labia that are more symmetrical and less prominent, which can alleviate physical discomfort and enhance the individual’s confidence and comfort with their body.

The reasons for considering labiaplasty vary widely among patients. Some women seek the procedure to correct asymmetry or to reduce the length of labia that may cause pain during physical activities, sexual intercourse, or when wearing tight clothing. Others may pursue labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, desiring a certain aesthetic appearance.

 

Download Miss Anca Breahna Labiaplasty Guide

Labiaplasty Guide

 

At a glance

Expected results:
Smaller labia
Treatment time:
Up to 90 minutes
Anaesthesia:
Local or general anaesthetic
Downtime:
Up to 2 weeks
Treatment frequency:
1 procedure required

Table of Contents

Who Needs Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a personal choice often made by those who experience physical discomfort or psychological distress due to the appearance or size of their labia. Candidates for labiaplasty include:

  • Women experiencing physical discomfort: This can include pain, irritation, or chafing during physical activities, sexual intercourse, or when wearing certain types of clothing due to the size of their labia.
  • Women with labial asymmetry: Some women may have significant asymmetry between their labia minora or between the labia minora and majora, which can lead to discomfort or self-consciousness.
  • Women seeking aesthetic changes: Women who are self-conscious about the appearance of their labia and believe that altering their size or shape would enhance their self-esteem and comfort may consider labiaplasty.
  • Women experiencing hygiene issues: In some cases, excessively large or elongated labia can contribute to hygiene difficulties, leading to repeated infections or discomfort.

It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who specialises in this procedure if you are considering labiaplasty surgery. Anca can provide a thorough assessment, discuss expectations, and determine whether labiaplasty is an appropriate option based on your individual needs and health conditions.


Benefits of Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty offers many potential benefits, which contribute to its growing popularity. These benefits include:

  • Reduced discomfort: By resizing or reshaping the labia, labiaplasty can significantly reduce or eliminate the physical discomfort experienced during exercise, sexual activity, or when wearing tight clothing.
  • Improved appearance: For those who are self-conscious about the size or shape of their labia, labiaplasty can enhance the aesthetic appearance, leading to increased confidence and body image satisfaction.
  • Enhanced sexual satisfaction: Some women report improved sexual satisfaction after labiaplasty, as they no longer experience pain during intercourse and feel more confident in their bodies.
  • Improved hygiene: Reducing the size of the labia can make it easier to maintain hygiene, potentially reducing the risk of infections and discomfort.
  • Clothing comfort: Labiaplasty can make it more comfortable to wear a wider variety of clothing, including tight-fitting garments and swimwear, without irritation or visible contours.

Procedures

Before & After

See the difference Labiaplasty
has made for our clients

Types of Labiaplasty

Trim Procedure

This is the most straightforward technique, where the excess tissue of the labia minora is trimmed to reduce its size and even out the edges. The trim procedure is often preferred for its simplicity and direct approach to reshaping the labia.

Wedge Procedure

Instead of trimming along the edge, the wedge procedure involves removing a V-shaped or pie-shaped piece of tissue from the labia minora. This technique preserves the natural border of the labia but reduces its overall size. The wedge method is favoured for maintaining the original labial edge and potentially resulting in less visible scarring.

Central De-epithelialisation

This technique involves removing a strip of tissue from the central part of the labia minora without affecting the outer edges. It’s less commonly used but can be effective for reducing volume without altering the natural contour of the labia edges.

Labia Majora Augmentation

Conversely, some individuals may seek augmentation of the labia majora to address issues of laxity or deflation, often using fat grafting or fillers.

Labiaplasty Procedure Explained

Labiaplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The surgery usually takes about one to two hours and can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and your comfort level.

Before the surgery, Anca will mark the areas of the labia to be reduced or reshaped. During the procedure, Anca carefully removes the excess tissue and reshapes the labia according to the pre-discussed plan. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. The specific techniques used will vary based on the type of labiaplasty being performed and your unique anatomy and desired outcomes.

After the procedure, you will be given post-operative care instructions, which usually include rest, the application of ice packs to reduce swelling, and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week, although they are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity for a specified period, usually around four to six weeks, to allow for proper healing.

Labiaplasty can be performed using different techniques, each tailored to your anatomy and desired outcomes. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the amount of reduction needed, the presence of asymmetry, and personal preferences. The most common types of labiaplasty include:


Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process is a crucial aspect of the labiaplasty procedure, and following Anca’s post-operative instructions is essential for a smooth and successful healing process. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery period:

  • Immediate Post-Operative Period: You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • First Week: Most swelling and discomfort peak within the first few days and gradually begin to subside. You are advised to rest and avoid any activities that could strain the surgical area. Loose clothing and special care when sitting or moving can help minimise discomfort.
  • Follow-Up Visits: You will have follow-up appointments with Anca to monitor the healing process, remove any non-dissolvable sutures, and address any concerns. It’s important to attend these appointments and follow any additional care instructions provided by Anca and her team.
  • Activity Restrictions: You will be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for four to six weeks post-surgery. This helps ensure the incisions heal properly and reduces the risk of complications.
  • Long-Term Care: Complete healing and the final results of labiaplasty can take several months to become fully apparent. Scarring is usually minimal and becomes less noticeable over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following any long-term care advice from Anca can help sustain the results.

You should be aware that individual recovery experiences can vary, and it’s important to communicate openly with Anca about any concerns or unusual symptoms during the recovery process. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, most patients can expect to achieve their desired outcomes and return to their normal activities with increased comfort and confidence.

Reviews

Patient satisfaction is the top priority for Anca. You can find how patients feel about her work below.

Pricing & Funding for Labiaplasty in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the cost of labiaplasty can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the facility where the surgery is performed. On average, the price for labiaplasty in the UK ranges from £2,500 to £4,000. This cost covers the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia, the facility fee, and follow-up care. Additional expenses such as pre-operative tests, post-operative medications, and any necessary recovery aids should also be considered when budgeting for the procedure.

Labiaplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it is not usually covered by the National Health Service (NHS) or private health insurance. However, in rare cases where the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to significant physical discomfort or recurring infections, partial coverage or funding might be possible. Patients should consult with their GP and insurance provider to explore any potential coverage options.

For those considering labiaplasty in the UK, it’s essential to research and choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Consulting with several surgeons can provide a better understanding of the expected costs, the range of techniques available, and the potential outcomes.


Further Reading

faq-photo

Procedure

Frequently asked questions

Labiaplasty may be suitable for women who have concerns with the size of the labia (vaginal lips). Either the outer or inner labia (labia majora or labia minora) may have become enlarged or stretched, and each can be addressed. A thorough pre-treatment assessment will establish suitability.

Women can feel assured that they are in safe hands at Chester Cosmetic Surgery. Miss Breahna is a leading consultant plastic surgeon with many years experience, and takes great care of her patients.

The genitals are very sensitive and the procedure may be painful. A local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the area, and suitable pain relief can be taken at home to ease any post-surgery discomfort.

Following the procedure, patients can expect the labia to be swollen and tender. This usually resolves within a couple of weeks, when it may also be possible to resume many of your usual activities – including going back to work. You will need to ensure strenuous exercise and heavy lifting is avoided until you are feeling much more comfortable.

A full recovery is expected within 6 weeks of surgery, and is the time you’re likely to see the final result.

Like any surgical procedure, labiaplasty carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. There’s also the risk of dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon can minimise these risks, but it’s important to discuss all potential complications during your consultation.

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but the extent and visibility of scars after labiaplasty vary. Over time, most scars will fade and become less noticeable. Following post-operative care instructions carefully can also help ensure scars heal well.

For those concerned about the appearance or discomfort of their labia but hesitant about surgery, non-surgical options such as laser treatments or radiofrequency therapies may offer some improvement in labial appearance and discomfort. However, these methods may not provide as significant or permanent results as surgical labiaplasty. Make sure to discuss all available options with Anca during your consultation.

Labiaplasty addresses aesthetic concerns or physical discomfort related to the size or shape of the labia. Choosing not to undergo labiaplasty will not lead to medical issues but may continue to cause the same level of physical discomfort or psychological distress. For many, the decision not to undergo labiaplasty is a choice to accept their body as it is, which can be an equally valid and empowering decision.

The size and shape of the labia vary significantly among women and can be influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, childbirth, ageing, and other factors. There is a wide range of what is considered “normal” for labia appearance, and variations in size or symmetry are common and typically normal.

During the procedure, patients are given anaesthesia, so they do not feel pain. Post-operative discomfort is common but usually manageable with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients report that the discomfort subsides significantly within the first week after surgery.

The results of labiaplasty are generally permanent. However, factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, and childbirth can alter the appearance of the labia over time. Discussing expectations and potential long-term outcomes with Anca is important.

Preparation for labiaplasty typically includes following Anca’s instructions, which may involve stopping certain medications, arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and preparing your recovery area with necessary supplies. Anca will also advise you to avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery to promote better healing.

Initial swelling and changes can obscure the final results in the weeks following surgery. Most patients begin to see the outcome of their labiaplasty as swelling decreases, usually within 4-6 weeks, with continued improvements for up to six months as the area fully heals.

About Anca Breahna – Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery

Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

Anca performs a wide range of Hand Surgery & Skin Surgery and Aesthetic Breast, Body and Face Surgery,

Anca Breahna - Female Plastic Surgeon in Chester UK

As one of the very few female Plastic Surgeons in the region, she is able to offer that unique female perspective, with empathy, attention to detail and personalised care. It is Anca’s true dedication and commitment to her field, that sets her aside from her peers. Her extensive surgical training means that you are in safe hands. She is renowned for providing exceptional care, support and helping achieve realistic goals for her patients.

Anca Breahna’s surgical training has mainly been undertaken within the United Kingdom. She began a rigorous training programme in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1999, after achieving her medical degree from the University of Bucharest. Miss Breahna attained her PhD degree at the same university in 2007 for her medical research. She then relocated to the UK and has worked Internationally to further extend her qualifications and training.

The team at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery looks forward to meeting you and will treat you with respect, consideration, and empathy.

Your Next Steps

Do your Research

  • Please read our website pages and blogs to learn more about your intended procedure.
  • All Surgery has risks and potential complications. Please read more about the risks of your surgery.

Get a Medical Referral before your consultation at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery

  • A Referral from your Doctor is not essential, however, it is recommended to have one

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation – Car parking is usually available on-site
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly read all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

  • Please call to find out more about availability, pricing and medical payment plans
  • Request more information about the procedure – call us or email us

How to Book your Consultation 

  • You can book your consultation by paying the £150 cosmetic consultation fee when you make your appointment. This fee covers further consultations about the same concern.

Contact the Team

Call Claire or Joedy on 07538 012918 to arrange your consultation or email us for more information.

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    Chester Wellness Centre,
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    Chester,
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    Practice Manager: Claire Bate – Phone 0800 080 6026

    Patient Coordinator: Joedy Williams – Phone 07538 012918

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